Top Lessons from RCR Wireless and Mavenir on 5G Monetization and OSS/BSS Evolution Webinar

In a recent webinar hosted by Sean Kinney , Editor-in-Chief of RCR Wireless News , and featuring Sandeep Singh , Senior Vice President and General Manager of Digital Business Enablement at Mavenir , the discussion centered on a critical topic: how 5G monetization is driving the evolution of OSS/BSS systems. Their insights offer a clear roadmap for telecom leaders seeking to modernize their networks and unlock the full revenue potential of 5G.

As the industry stands at a pivotal moment in the 5G cycle, here are the key takeaways from the conversation that telecom and network solutions leaders should consider:

1. BSS/OSS Modernization is a Non-Negotiable

Telecom networks today are built on legacy systems that operate in silos and were never designed to support the dynamic needs of 5G. Modernizing BSS/OSS systems is essential to enable the agility, scalability, and new business models that 5G brings.

Takeaway = > Incremental modernization is the way forward. Rather than a full system overhaul, leaders should focus on moving towards cloud-native architectures that can adapt to market changes and customer demands in real-time.

2. Monetizing 5G is Still a Puzzle, but AI is Key

A major theme of the webinar was the challenge of realizing a clear ROI from 5G investments. AI and automation were highlighted as critical tools for solving this puzzle. AI can help telecom operators automate network operations, enhance customer experiences, and streamline processes like fault detection.

Takeaway = > Leaders should prioritize integrating AI into every aspect of their operations to optimize network efficiency and uncover new revenue opportunities.

3. The Future is API-Driven: Open Up Your Network

Standardized open APIs are becoming crucial for telecom operators looking to monetize 5G. APIs allow third-party developers to create custom solutions using telecom infrastructure, opening up new revenue streams through collaboration.

Takeaway = > Operators must shift from closed, monolithic systems to open, API-driven ecosystems that foster innovation and new business opportunities.

4. Customer Experience is the Core of Monetization

There is a direct link between personalized customer experiences and 5G monetization. Real-time data analytics and AI-driven insights can help operators better understand customer needs, leading to improved retention, growth, and brand loyalty.

Takeaway = > Telecom leaders should focus on delivering a seamless, personalized experience to enhance customer satisfaction and unlock revenue growth.

5. Edge Computing and Partnerships Are the Future

Edge computing is emerging as a critical enabler for new 5G services, particularly in industries like IoT, manufacturing, and healthcare. The webinar emphasized the importance of partnerships between telecom operators, hyperscalers, and industry verticals to maximize these opportunities.

Takeaway = > The call to action for leaders? Develop partnerships and ecosystems that allow you to leverage edge computing and offer innovative, industry-specific solutions.

6. Security Must Be a Priority

As networks grow more complex with AI-driven operations, security risks increase. Telecom operators need to adopt zero-trust security models to protect their data and their customers’ information.

Takeaway for telecom operators => Implement a zero-trust security framework that can safeguard your AI-driven and cloud-native network infrastructures.

Final Thoughts

The insights from Sean Kinney and Sandeep Singh underscore that 5G monetization is a complex but promising journey. For telecom leaders, the message is clear: modernize your systems, leverage AI and automation, embrace open APIs, and focus on customer experience and partnerships to drive growth.

With the right strategy, 5G can unlock significant revenue potential and position operators as service innovation leaders. The future of telecom is not just in connectivity but in creating ecosystems that foster innovation and deliver value to both customers and partners.

Let’s continue the conversation—what are your thoughts on these takeaways? Feel free to share below!

Link to webinar video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGQT3rBgsj8